Graduation and Commencement

Step 1. Apply for your degree:

• Log in to your ctcLink account with your ID and password.
• In the sidebar, go to Academics, then Apply for/View Graduation.
• Under Program, click the arrow next to your program name to expand it. Check that your program and degree information is correct. If it looks good, click Apply for Graduation. If not, reach out to your advisor.
• On the next page, make sure the correct program is selected. Under Term, choose the term in which you will complete your degree. (This is the last quarter you’ll be taking classes for your degree.) Then click Apply. If the term you’re looking for isn’t in the list, reach out to your advisor.
• When done, under Status, you should see Graduation application received.

Step 2. Confirm your name and address.

• In the sidebar, go to My Profile, then Biographical Information.
• If you don’t have a degree name listed, click on Add Name, then Degree. This is your name, not your area of study.
  
• Type your full name exactly how you want it to appear on your diploma. Then click Save.
• Next click on Contact Info and check your current mailing address. If your current mailing address is incorrect, please edit it.
• If you don’t have a mailing address listed, go to Add Address, then Mailing.
• Type in the address where you want your diploma to be sent. Then click Save.

Step 3. Watch for updates.

• To check for updates, go to the same place you applied for your degree. Under Status, you’ll see This degree has been awarded once the degree has posted to your transcript.

• Read this step-by-step guide.
• Watch this instructional video.
• Ask your advisor for help.
• Reach out to the Office of Admissions and Records at [email protected] or 509-524-5168.

You need to apply for your degree to receive your diploma.

The application is our way of checking:

• That you are on track to complete your degree/certificate requirements.
• Which degree(s) or certificate(s) you are completing.
• The name you would like printed on your diploma.
• The mailing address where you want to receive your diploma.

You can apply for your degree as soon as you are within 20 credits of completing your degree/certificate.

When applying, be sure to choose the correct term you will actually complete your degree. Applying too early can create errors in the system and can cause financial aid complications.

Please note: If you want your name to appear in the commencement ceremony program, you must apply for your degree no later than May 10.

You can still apply for your degree up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

Talk with your advisor. They can help you check how many credits you have left before you can graduate.

After your final quarter, it may take six to eight weeks for your degree to be posted to your transcript. Once posted, your diploma will be mailed to you within eight to ten weeks.

Log into your ctcLink account to look for updates on the status of your degree.

No. Commencement is optional.

You can participate with the Class of 2024 if you completed or will complete your degree in Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024 or Summer 2024.

Please note: If you are completing your degree in Fall 2024, you will be eligible to participate in the June 2025 graduation ceremony.

Signing up to participate in the commencement ceremony is NOT the same as applying for your completed degree in ctcLink.  For those wanting their degree posted on their transcript AND to participate in the commencement ceremony, you’ll need to submit both.

Note: If you want your name to appear in the commencement ceremony program, you must apply for your completed degree in ctcLink no later than May 10.

You can still apply for your degree up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

Nuestra Celebración de Graduación Sign Up Here

Commencement Ceremony Sign Up Here

Absolutely! We hope to see you at both. Be sure to register for each event separately.

Diploma covers are handed out at commencement. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you. Please refer to When will I receive my diploma? above.

• Name in the commencement program: Your name will not be listed in the commencement program. You may still sign up and participate in commencement.
• Cap and gown: You will be put on a waitlist if you sign up for commencement after this deadline. You may not receive your preferred gown size.
• Applying for your degree: You can still apply up to the last day of your final term. After that, contact Admissions for assistance.

• You can personalize your cap and wear your own stoles.
• If you are an honors student, you will receive special cords with your cap and gown.
• You do not need to return the cap and gown. They’re yours to keep!
• There is not a rehearsal.
• Graduates should plan to arrive at 9am and check in inside the Dome. Please line up by your first name. You will be given a card with the Degree Name listed on your ctcLink account (or Primary Name if you did not specify a Degree Name), along with the title of your degree(s) or certificate(s).
• Parking is free. Signs will direct you to parking areas upon arrival.
• For the main commencement ceremony there is no limit to the number of guests you may bring.
• For nuestra celebración, you may invite up to four guests. Use the celebración signup form to RSVP for your guests.
• Guests should arrive early. There is no reserved seating.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations. We ask that all requests be made 3 weeks prior to the event. We will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met. Use the event signup forms to request accommodations. Please refer to the Disability Support Services page for more information.
• Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine! There may be limited shade. Please plan and dress accordingly (bring water, hat, sunscreen, etc.).